Types of Cases
- Misdemeanors and Felonies
- Appeals
- DUI and Driving Offenses
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Charges
- Gun Charges
- Mental Health and Competency
- Sealing and Expunging Records
The Eagles Law Firm handles a wide array of criminal charges and related matters. Being arrested and accused of a crime can be one of the most stressful and terrifying situations a person ever experiences. The consequences could have a lasting impact on the rest of a person’s life. It is important to obtain the assistance of a trained and experienced criminal defense attorney, even if you plan to plead guilty, because an attorney can leverage a number of factors in your favor to obtain better outcomes, whether it is in terms of a plea agreement, challenging evidence, or preparing the case to trial in front of a jury. If you have an attorney putting up a fight on your behalf, a plea deal will often get better. But if you want to take your case to trial, an attorney is a MUST. Attorneys are trained in the rules of evidence, courtroom procedures, and trial strategy. The Eagles Law Firm can help you at every step of the case. The earlier on that you contact an and retain an attorney, the better the chances are of obtaining a favorable outcome.
A criminal defense attorney is trained to analyze evidence and look for ways to challenge the use of certain evidence. If the evidence against the accused is weak, or if it was illegally obtained, an attorney can possibly limit the use of such evidence, or even get the evidence thrown out. This could result in getting charges reduced, or sometimes even dismissed entirely. By analyzing and, when appropriate, challenging the evidence, the defense attorney is also developing a defense theory and strategy should a trial become necessary.
Perhaps the most important reason to hire an attorney is so that YOU CAN REMAIN SILENT. It is true: Anything you say can and will be used against you. Even though the law places limitations on what can be used against a criminal defendant based on what was said during plea negotiations, it is far better to have an attorney be your voice. Nothing your attorney says on your behalf can be used as evidence against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do If I am arrested or charged with a crime?
First and most, YOU DO NOT HAVE TALK TO THE POLICE OR ANYONE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. In Fact, it is probably best NOT speak to the police other than to provide your identification, to ask if you are free to leave, and, if you are not free to leave, to tell them you wish to remain silent AND want a lawyer. Remember, no matter what the police are telling you, you have NO OBLIGATION to speak to them, they are NOT your friends, and they are NOT trying to help you. A police officer’s job is to gather evidence and arrest suspects, NOT to help you out. Whatever you say WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU.
Second, contact a lawyer or ask to speak to a lawyer right away. It is very important that you obtain the assistance of a trained and experienced criminal defense lawyer with whom you feel comfortable to help you with your case, even if you plan to plead guilty. Even experienced criminal defense lawyers do not represent themselves and hire a lawyer to represent them. Remember: nothing the lawyer says can be used against you, and a skilled, experienced defense lawyer can help you obtain a lighter sentence, minimize (and in some cases completely eliminate) your criminal charges, and, if necessary, take your case to trial before a jury. Contact us here for a FREE consultation.
Do you have any tips on what to do if I am stopped, detained, questioned, or otherwise confronted by a police officer, or if I am arrested?
Remain calm;
Keep your hands visible and move slowly;
Be polite and courteous, but assertive (example: “I do not wish to discuss my affairs with you; I do not consent to any searches; I wish to leave; if I am not free to leave I want a lawyer.” Then remain silent).
If possible, record the encounter on your phone or a camera;
NEVER resist;
NEVER consent to a search of your person, vehicle, home, or belongings (see explanation below);
Contact a criminal defense lawyer AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
What if a police officer asks to search my car or person?
Even though you think you may have nothing to hide, mistakes can and do happen.
Here is an example of why you should never consent to a search:
Let’s say you are helping a friend by giving them a ride to and from physical therapy. In their pocket they have their prescribed pain medications in a zip-close bag. While your friend is getting out of the car, the bag of pills falls between the seat and the door, out of sight. If you were to later be stopped because the taillight was out, and the police officer asks, “Do you mind if I take a look inside your vehicle?” If you agree, you could end up charged with a drug possession crime. You thought you were doing the right thing by agreeing to the search and that you had nothing to hide. But because of an unfortunate mistake by your friend, you are now being arrested and charged with a crime. In this example, there are some good defenses to present in court, but this situation could have been avoided entirely if you had declined to speak to the police and declined to give them permission “look inside your vehicle.” Remember, unless you called for them, the police are probably NOT there to help you.
If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime, The Eagles Law Firm is here to help you!
Contact us for a FREE consultation